Testosterone [Tomasz Konecki, 2007]
It started OK. A promising set-up, and some mild amusement. But then,
slowly but surely, it sank into tediousness.
Interest was briefly sparked, two thirds of the way though, by the film
breaking down. But this was only a brief respite.
Harmless but dull.
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4 Minutes [Chris Krauss, 2006]
It's the familiar storyline of older teacher taking promising young
tear-away under their wing, nurturing a formidable talent, and viola
– redemption! There is some reliance on the customary, well trodden
plotting conventions, but thankfully the film avoids over
sentimentality, particularly in the central relationship between the two
leads. Veteran German actress Monica Bleibtreu gives a carefully
controlled and powerful performance as the teacher, while young actress
Hannah Herzsprung is remarkable in the role of the musically talented
prison inmate. Herzsprung's portrayal is terrifyingly realistic
– an aggressive tension between feral ferocity and restrained
vulnerability. And the relationship between the two leads is gripping
and truly moving.
The ending is the final masterstroke of the film: brilliantly executed,
thrilling in its drama, and devastatingly poignant.
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Valerie [Birgit Moller, 2006]
A confident and well-polished first feature from Birgit Moeller. A tale
of a confident young woman who is gradually divested of the trappings
and securities of the modern world. Agata Buzek is very impressive in
the daunting lead role. The film strikes a nice balance between its
seriousness and its lighter moments. It also, thankfully, remains
focussed on character, rather than opting for dramatic hyperbole.
Worth seeing.
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